Nehemiah 8-10 The people came together and listened as Ezra read the law aloud to them.  They stood for three hours straight listening to the Word, and then they spent another three hours confessing their sins. Do you spend that much time confessing and listening? I had a heart to heart with the Lord today.  While my daughter enjoyed her science class, I spent some time walking, thinking, and praying.  I became aware of sin in my heart that I didn’t even know was there… You see, even though the Lord has provided so majestically for me and for my … Continue reading Prayer of Confession

Nehemiah 6-7 It only took 52 days for Nehemiah and the remnants of Judah to rebuild the entire wall around Jerusalem.  Fifty-two days! The Lord’s protection and power was evident in their speedy construction despite all the threats from the surrounding people who were worried that a rebuilt Jerusalem would lead to a ruthless kingdom…and His protection and power is evident today as well. He protected the people in the church and he protected me by allowing that floor to fall out at a time when no one was in the building.  Even the pastor was gone, away on a … Continue reading Dwelling on the Lord’s Protection

Ezra 7-10 Ezra led the remnant of Israel back to Jerusalem.  The King of Babylon gave him gifts of gold and silver and animals for sacrifice – over 7500 tons of gold and silver!  But Ezra did not ask the king for soldiers to protect him on his journey.  Instead, he fasted and prayed and asked for the Lord’s protection on the long journey back to Jerusalem….and the Lord provided safety for them all from bandits and others who could have waylaid them and stolen all that was meant for the restoration of the temple. But when he called for … Continue reading Sleeping on it